The documented history of Joseph Erwin begins with his highly suspected parents, William and Margaret Erwin, who are the earliest Erwins that left a paper trail that I have been able to follow. My great grandfather, Thomas Kenedy Erwin (1822-1897), told the Erwin history as he knew it in 1897 to my grandfather, James Erwin, who wrote it down as he heard it in a pocket size notebook that is now stored at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale, Arkansas.
Thomas Kenedy Erwin stated, "Joseph Erwin was born in Virginia about the middle of the eighteenth century of Irish parents."
Based upon Thomas Kenedy Erwin's oral history, I have concluded that William and Margaret Erwin were born in Northern Ireland about 1725. They would have been known as Scots-Irish, that is they were descended from people living in Scotland who later migrated to the area known as Northern Ireland and eventually sailed for the new world. Their religion would have been Protestant in opposition to the Catholic faith of the indigenous Irish people. The native Irish resented the Protestant Scots-Irish and many conflicts erupted among the two groups which are still festering today (2018).
William and Margaret Erwin moved to the new world in search of a better life. Somehow they emerged out of thin air near the mouth of Tomahawk Creek on Back Creek in Berkeley County, Virginia by June 16, 1772. On that date a William Erwin brought a lawsuit against John Grey over a debt as recorded in the Berkeley County, Virginia Minute Book . William and Margaret were evidently settled on their own land by November 18, 1773. The Minute Book for that date reports:" Persons appointed to view the ground for a road from Beeson's Mill to Back Creek made their report. Ordered that same be established and that Joseph McCoy be overseer of same from said mill to the top of the mountain and John Kennedy from thence to Erwins, and tithables for three miles on each side of said road work theron."
A deed from Hugh and Sarah Lyle to William Erwin was recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 4, Pages 199-200 on April 15, 1777. This deed transferred 300 acres of land on both sides of Tomahawk Creek at Back Creek. My research has determined that this land contained the Lower Tomahawk Spring on Tomahawk Creek. William Erwin may have used this spring for distilling spirits because the Minute Book for May 10, 1778 records:" William Erwin and others were indicted by the Grand Jury for selling whiskey without a license."
Sometime in 1776 a petition was presented to members of the Back Creek congregation of the Tuscarora Church. This petition objected to British oppression to religious services and was signed by: David Faris, Jno Doke, Wm Faris, Robt Snodgrass, And'w Yeat, Robt Stewart, Robt Jackson, Jno.Kenedy, Wm Erwin, Joseph Erwin, John Jackson, Jas Winning, Jas Lowrie, Wm Boggs, Wm Boggs Jun'r, Wm. Johnson, Jno Harper, Jno Harper Jun'r, Edw'd Magner, Jno Shields, Jas. Robinson, Alex'r Robinson, Jno Moor, Dan'l Kenedy, Robt Dunn, And'w Dunn, Robt McCall, Robt Kenedy, Thos Sharp, Sam'l Kenedy, Jno Murphy, Thos Hamilton, Valentine Murphy, Jno Murphy Jun'r, Wm Long, Jas Kerr, Thos Lawson, Jas Lawson, Jos Harper, Jno Grey, Wm Grey, Eliegn Grey, Josias Renolds, Jonathan Rose, Wm Knox, Garrett Enix, Wm Knox Jun'r, Jno Magner, Henry Magner, Alex'rd Caldwell, and Wm Reed.
In 1784 the Revolutionary War was over and the urge to move to Kentucky hit the Erwins. William and Margaret had evidently deeded part of their 300 acres to their son Joseph for on August 16, 1784, William, Joseph and Hannah Erwin deeded 147 acres of the 300 acre tract formerly purchased from Hugh Lyle to Frederick Savely for 140 Pounds, English money. One boundary of the land passed through the middle of a spring which I have identified as the Lower Tomahawk Spring. This sale is recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 6, Pages 274-275.
The trip to Kentucky had to wait until William and Margaret sold the balance of their land which they did on December 10, 1785 when they executed a deed to their remaining 153 acres to Samuel Kennedy for 220 Pounds. Witnesses were John and William Farris, Daniel Kennedy and John Champion. This parcel joined the other 147 acre tract and part of the common boundary also passed through the Lower Tomahawk Spring. The sale was recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 6, Pages 536-538. I visited Berkeley County several years ago and sat on rocks beside the Lower Tomahawk Spring which had a strong flow of water. I visited with a man who owned part of the spring and he said his property line passed through the center of the spring which he shared with a neighbor.
The Erwins were on their way to Kentucky by June 20, 1786. A Minute Book entry for that date read: " Ordered that James Winning, Robert Jackson, Samuel Kennedy, and James Lowry or any three of them do view the ground for a road from William Irwin's old plantation to Beeson and Chapman's Mill and make report."
The trip to Kentucky could have been made overland or by raft down the Ohio River. I believe they went overland by horse by way of the Wilderness Road which was just to the east of them. The party probably included Joseph and Hannah Erwin, their children; William, Margaret and Mary. Joseph's possible parents, William and Margaret Erwin and their children; Mary, Margaret, Robert, and possibly Orpha Erwin and James Lamaster. William Erwin Sr. was deceased by 1788 and could have died in Virginia, on the way to Kentucky, or after arriving in Kentucky. The trip to Kentucky was truly a trek. The Wilderness Road was too narrow for wagons in 1786 and Cherokee were a problem around Cumberland Gap and Shawnee were attacking settlers in the area where Erwins settled on two 200 acre tracts on the headwaters of Drennon's Lick Creek about one mile east of the town of Eminence in modern Henry County, Kentucky. Robert Loudon was their neighbor to the east. He had evidently erected a blockhouse for defense which was known an Louden's Station or Fort Louden. Thomas Kenedy Erwin stated in his 1897 oral Erwin history that his uncle William Erwin was born in Fort Lowdon. I have determined that William was born in Virginia about 1778. Thomas Kenedy Erwin's father, Robert, was born in 1788 and could have been born in Fort Louden.
On June 2, 1789, deeds were recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Deed Book 2, Pages 8,9 and 10. John and Mary Warford executed deeds to Robert Irwin, Joseph Irwin and Robert Louden for 200 acres apiece on headwaters of Drennon's Lick Creek for 60 British Pounds each. Land that would have been deeded to William Erwin was sold to his second son, Robert, because William Erwin was apparently deceased.
The children of William and Margaret Erwin are thought to have been: Joseph, born about 1755 ; Mary, born about 1765; Robert, born about 1768; Margaret, born about 1770; and Orpha, born March 11, 1784 in Virginia. Orpha, being born much later than the other children presents problems as to who her parents were. I feel that she was adopted as her name suggests. She named one of her children, Robert Erwin Lamaster and another Temperence Lamaster. Robert Erwin's wife was the former Temperence Meek. Orpha was evidently close to Robert and Temperence Meek Erwin, but they were too young to be her parents.
The present Eminence Baptist Church was originally known as Fox Run Baptist Church located about two miles south Of Eminence, Kentucky. It was founded by John Whitaker and Joshua Morris at the house of James Hogland January 26, 1794 with the following members; Jesse Buzan, Eliza Buzan, James Hogland, Mary Hogland, William Metcalf, Hester Metcalf, James Metcalf, Thomas Metcalf, Mary Teague, Milly Long, Robert Louden, Jane Louden, Joseph Erwin, Margaret Erwin. This information was taken from Page 79 of "History of Henry County, Kentucky" by Maude Johnston Drane, 1948.
Some interesting information about Robert Loudon and Joseph and Robert Erwin comes to light on Page 341 of Henry County, Kentucky Deed Book 2. Robert Louden Sr., Joseph Erwin, and Robert Erwin are witnesses to a land dispute legal case and are taken to a branch of Drennon's Lick Creek to make depositions. Robert Louden Sr. deposed," I have been acquainted with this branch since the year 1784 and that it was then called the Caney Fork and has ever since been called and known in the neighborhood by that name." Joseph and Robert Erwin both saith," In the year 1787, I heard the said branch called the Caney Fork and that it has ever since been called and known by that name." I feel that the above depositions can be interpreted as: Robert Louden Sr. arrived in the area by 1784 and Joseph and Robert Erwin arrived in the area by 1787.
Margaret Evans is listed as head of household with son, Robert Evans, (16-21) on the 1789 tax list for Jefferson County, Kentucky. Joseph Evans is also listed as head of household, over 21 years of age. I feel that the Erwin name has been interpreted as Evans.
Henry County records show that Robert Erwin was issued a bond April 21, 1800 to administer the estate of William Erwin deceased. His securities were Joseph Erwin and John Lawson. The most expensive item appraised at the William Erwin estate was "one still", given a value of over 37 Pounds, British currency. The estate sale records are unavailable. I suspect that Margaret Erwin had just died and this was her estate that was being probated. If so, this is the last record for Margaret. The only clue as to her maiden name is John Lawson. Could he have been a brother or a son in law?
William and Margaret Erwins' suspected children married the following. Joseph married Hannah about the year 1776, probably in Berkeley County, Virginia. Hannah named a son Kenedy which suggests she was the daughter of one of the Berkeley County Kenedys. Mary married James Lemaster on August 18, 1788 as recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Marriage Book 1, Page 7. Mary was listed as daughter of William Erwin, deceased. Samuel McKinley was a bondsman, Will Johnston was a witness. Margaret Erwin married John Meek Jr. on April 4, 1792 as recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Marriage Book 1, Page 15. Robert Erwin married Temperence Meek on January 8, 1795 as recorded in Shelby County, Kentucky . John Meek Jr. and Temperence Meek were both children of John Meek Sr., the one eyed Revolution War pensioner who died in Henry County, Kentucky in 1803. Orpha Erwin married Abraham Lamaster on July 27, 1802 as recorded in Henry County, Kentucky. Samuel McKinley was a bondsman. I must note that Erwins did not move. It was the counties that moved. Shelby County was formed from Jefferson County in 1792, and Henry County was formed from Shelby County in 1799.
Joseph Erwin died in Henry County in 1825. His will is recorded in Will Book 2, Pages 335-336.
" In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Erwin of the county of Henry and State of Kentucky being weak in boddy, but in perfect soundness of mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of Human Life, do make this my last will and testament. Item 1st. I give and bequest to my son, Robert Erwin and his heirs and assigns forever a part of the tract of land I now live on. Bounded viz-Beginning at a Lynn and running South 45 degrees E 51 Poles thence on a straight line to the Frankfurt Road to intersect said road 51 Poles from Robert Erwin's corner thence along said road 51 poles to said Robert Erwin's corner to a red oak, sugar tree and ash, thence to the beginning. Item 2nd. The balance of my land I give and bequeath to my son Kenedy Erwin to his heirs or assigns forever. Item 3rd. It's my will and wish that so much of my household and kitchen furniture and perishable property be disposed of as will pay my just debts and that the balance be equally divided among my seven children, Viz- William Erwin, Peggy Parker, Polly Burcham, Robert Erwin, Nancy Conn, Kenedy Erwin and Catherine Winkfield. And lastly I Ordain, Constitute and appoint Peter Kerlin and Jonathan Jones my Executers of this my last Will and Testament as witness my hand and seal this 1st day of December, 1825. Joseph Erwin, His Mark, Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presence of Armistad L. Hill and Wm Hill, Henry County, November Term 1825. The Last Will and Testament of Joseph Erwin dec. was produced in Court and proved by the oaths of Armistad L. Hill and William Hill subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered be recorded which is done accordingly. ATT Row Thomas.
Joseph Erwin was deceased by January 9, 1826. Kenedy and Polly Erwin sold land inherited from his father to Thomas Lindsey on that date. Joseph was probably buried in the Hill Cemetery which is located on Robert Louden's original 200 acres. Joseph's wife Hannah evidently preceded him in death and is probably buried beside him. A monument for Joseph or Hannah Erwin has not been found in the Hill Cemetery.
Joseph and Hannah's children married the following.
William married around 1800 to Elizabeth who could have been a Cornwell. Their children were Joseph, David, Samuel, Hannah and possibly Elinor. Samuel Erwin appeared on the 1880 census where he indicated his father was born in Virginia, his mother was born in Pennsylvania.
Margaret married Absolem Parker in Henry County on March 13, 1804. Their children were William Crawford Parker, Sarah Parker Mapes, Enoch Fleming Parker, James Parker, Milton Hay or B. Parker, Lucinda Parker Bloss and Lorenzo Dow Parker.
Mary "Polly" married Samuel Burcham Jul 25,1811 in Henry County. Their children were Nancy, Hannah, Margaret, Robert, Joseph and Eliza.
Robert married Susanna Burcham around 1810. No record has been found for their union. Susanna was a daughter of Samuel Burcham and his first wife Mary Harper. Their children were Samuel, Joseph, John F., William G., Nancy Jane, Mary Hannah, Robert James, Thomas Kenedy, Sarah, Jeptha, Martha Ann, Isaiah C., and Susan.
Nancy married James Conn April 9, 1810 in Henry County. Their children were James Erwin Conn, William, Mary, Matilda, Bartholomew, Elizabeth A., Hannah, and John.
Kenedy married Mary Bonnifield January 3, 1816 in Henry County. Their suspected children were James, Joseph B., Rebecca, Mary A., George, Robert and Nancy.
Katherine married Henry Wingfield around 1815. No record has been found for their marriage. Their children were Owen Franklin, Lucinda, Charles Belew, William P., Charlotte, Sarah, James D., Elizabeth, Melinda and Cynthia.
Thomas Kenedy Erwin reported in 1897 that Joseph Erwin served in the Revolution, but I have found no record. Joseph's three sons all served in the War of 1812. His son Kenedy received a pension for frostbite. Joseph had two nephews who served with Andy Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. They were Squire Boone Erwin, son of Robert and Temperence Meek Erwin and Erwin Lamaster, son of James and Mary Erwin Lamaster. Erwin Lamaster died after the battle at Camp Jackson near New Orleans on March 4, 1815 of disease according to his military records.
Thomas Kenedy Erwin stated, "Joseph Erwin was born in Virginia about the middle of the eighteenth century of Irish parents."
Based upon Thomas Kenedy Erwin's oral history, I have concluded that William and Margaret Erwin were born in Northern Ireland about 1725. They would have been known as Scots-Irish, that is they were descended from people living in Scotland who later migrated to the area known as Northern Ireland and eventually sailed for the new world. Their religion would have been Protestant in opposition to the Catholic faith of the indigenous Irish people. The native Irish resented the Protestant Scots-Irish and many conflicts erupted among the two groups which are still festering today (2018).
William and Margaret Erwin moved to the new world in search of a better life. Somehow they emerged out of thin air near the mouth of Tomahawk Creek on Back Creek in Berkeley County, Virginia by June 16, 1772. On that date a William Erwin brought a lawsuit against John Grey over a debt as recorded in the Berkeley County, Virginia Minute Book . William and Margaret were evidently settled on their own land by November 18, 1773. The Minute Book for that date reports:" Persons appointed to view the ground for a road from Beeson's Mill to Back Creek made their report. Ordered that same be established and that Joseph McCoy be overseer of same from said mill to the top of the mountain and John Kennedy from thence to Erwins, and tithables for three miles on each side of said road work theron."
A deed from Hugh and Sarah Lyle to William Erwin was recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 4, Pages 199-200 on April 15, 1777. This deed transferred 300 acres of land on both sides of Tomahawk Creek at Back Creek. My research has determined that this land contained the Lower Tomahawk Spring on Tomahawk Creek. William Erwin may have used this spring for distilling spirits because the Minute Book for May 10, 1778 records:" William Erwin and others were indicted by the Grand Jury for selling whiskey without a license."
Sometime in 1776 a petition was presented to members of the Back Creek congregation of the Tuscarora Church. This petition objected to British oppression to religious services and was signed by: David Faris, Jno Doke, Wm Faris, Robt Snodgrass, And'w Yeat, Robt Stewart, Robt Jackson, Jno.Kenedy, Wm Erwin, Joseph Erwin, John Jackson, Jas Winning, Jas Lowrie, Wm Boggs, Wm Boggs Jun'r, Wm. Johnson, Jno Harper, Jno Harper Jun'r, Edw'd Magner, Jno Shields, Jas. Robinson, Alex'r Robinson, Jno Moor, Dan'l Kenedy, Robt Dunn, And'w Dunn, Robt McCall, Robt Kenedy, Thos Sharp, Sam'l Kenedy, Jno Murphy, Thos Hamilton, Valentine Murphy, Jno Murphy Jun'r, Wm Long, Jas Kerr, Thos Lawson, Jas Lawson, Jos Harper, Jno Grey, Wm Grey, Eliegn Grey, Josias Renolds, Jonathan Rose, Wm Knox, Garrett Enix, Wm Knox Jun'r, Jno Magner, Henry Magner, Alex'rd Caldwell, and Wm Reed.
In 1784 the Revolutionary War was over and the urge to move to Kentucky hit the Erwins. William and Margaret had evidently deeded part of their 300 acres to their son Joseph for on August 16, 1784, William, Joseph and Hannah Erwin deeded 147 acres of the 300 acre tract formerly purchased from Hugh Lyle to Frederick Savely for 140 Pounds, English money. One boundary of the land passed through the middle of a spring which I have identified as the Lower Tomahawk Spring. This sale is recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 6, Pages 274-275.
The trip to Kentucky had to wait until William and Margaret sold the balance of their land which they did on December 10, 1785 when they executed a deed to their remaining 153 acres to Samuel Kennedy for 220 Pounds. Witnesses were John and William Farris, Daniel Kennedy and John Champion. This parcel joined the other 147 acre tract and part of the common boundary also passed through the Lower Tomahawk Spring. The sale was recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 6, Pages 536-538. I visited Berkeley County several years ago and sat on rocks beside the Lower Tomahawk Spring which had a strong flow of water. I visited with a man who owned part of the spring and he said his property line passed through the center of the spring which he shared with a neighbor.
The Erwins were on their way to Kentucky by June 20, 1786. A Minute Book entry for that date read: " Ordered that James Winning, Robert Jackson, Samuel Kennedy, and James Lowry or any three of them do view the ground for a road from William Irwin's old plantation to Beeson and Chapman's Mill and make report."
The trip to Kentucky could have been made overland or by raft down the Ohio River. I believe they went overland by horse by way of the Wilderness Road which was just to the east of them. The party probably included Joseph and Hannah Erwin, their children; William, Margaret and Mary. Joseph's possible parents, William and Margaret Erwin and their children; Mary, Margaret, Robert, and possibly Orpha Erwin and James Lamaster. William Erwin Sr. was deceased by 1788 and could have died in Virginia, on the way to Kentucky, or after arriving in Kentucky. The trip to Kentucky was truly a trek. The Wilderness Road was too narrow for wagons in 1786 and Cherokee were a problem around Cumberland Gap and Shawnee were attacking settlers in the area where Erwins settled on two 200 acre tracts on the headwaters of Drennon's Lick Creek about one mile east of the town of Eminence in modern Henry County, Kentucky. Robert Loudon was their neighbor to the east. He had evidently erected a blockhouse for defense which was known an Louden's Station or Fort Louden. Thomas Kenedy Erwin stated in his 1897 oral Erwin history that his uncle William Erwin was born in Fort Lowdon. I have determined that William was born in Virginia about 1778. Thomas Kenedy Erwin's father, Robert, was born in 1788 and could have been born in Fort Louden.
On June 2, 1789, deeds were recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Deed Book 2, Pages 8,9 and 10. John and Mary Warford executed deeds to Robert Irwin, Joseph Irwin and Robert Louden for 200 acres apiece on headwaters of Drennon's Lick Creek for 60 British Pounds each. Land that would have been deeded to William Erwin was sold to his second son, Robert, because William Erwin was apparently deceased.
The children of William and Margaret Erwin are thought to have been: Joseph, born about 1755 ; Mary, born about 1765; Robert, born about 1768; Margaret, born about 1770; and Orpha, born March 11, 1784 in Virginia. Orpha, being born much later than the other children presents problems as to who her parents were. I feel that she was adopted as her name suggests. She named one of her children, Robert Erwin Lamaster and another Temperence Lamaster. Robert Erwin's wife was the former Temperence Meek. Orpha was evidently close to Robert and Temperence Meek Erwin, but they were too young to be her parents.
The present Eminence Baptist Church was originally known as Fox Run Baptist Church located about two miles south Of Eminence, Kentucky. It was founded by John Whitaker and Joshua Morris at the house of James Hogland January 26, 1794 with the following members; Jesse Buzan, Eliza Buzan, James Hogland, Mary Hogland, William Metcalf, Hester Metcalf, James Metcalf, Thomas Metcalf, Mary Teague, Milly Long, Robert Louden, Jane Louden, Joseph Erwin, Margaret Erwin. This information was taken from Page 79 of "History of Henry County, Kentucky" by Maude Johnston Drane, 1948.
Some interesting information about Robert Loudon and Joseph and Robert Erwin comes to light on Page 341 of Henry County, Kentucky Deed Book 2. Robert Louden Sr., Joseph Erwin, and Robert Erwin are witnesses to a land dispute legal case and are taken to a branch of Drennon's Lick Creek to make depositions. Robert Louden Sr. deposed," I have been acquainted with this branch since the year 1784 and that it was then called the Caney Fork and has ever since been called and known in the neighborhood by that name." Joseph and Robert Erwin both saith," In the year 1787, I heard the said branch called the Caney Fork and that it has ever since been called and known by that name." I feel that the above depositions can be interpreted as: Robert Louden Sr. arrived in the area by 1784 and Joseph and Robert Erwin arrived in the area by 1787.
Margaret Evans is listed as head of household with son, Robert Evans, (16-21) on the 1789 tax list for Jefferson County, Kentucky. Joseph Evans is also listed as head of household, over 21 years of age. I feel that the Erwin name has been interpreted as Evans.
Henry County records show that Robert Erwin was issued a bond April 21, 1800 to administer the estate of William Erwin deceased. His securities were Joseph Erwin and John Lawson. The most expensive item appraised at the William Erwin estate was "one still", given a value of over 37 Pounds, British currency. The estate sale records are unavailable. I suspect that Margaret Erwin had just died and this was her estate that was being probated. If so, this is the last record for Margaret. The only clue as to her maiden name is John Lawson. Could he have been a brother or a son in law?
William and Margaret Erwins' suspected children married the following. Joseph married Hannah about the year 1776, probably in Berkeley County, Virginia. Hannah named a son Kenedy which suggests she was the daughter of one of the Berkeley County Kenedys. Mary married James Lemaster on August 18, 1788 as recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Marriage Book 1, Page 7. Mary was listed as daughter of William Erwin, deceased. Samuel McKinley was a bondsman, Will Johnston was a witness. Margaret Erwin married John Meek Jr. on April 4, 1792 as recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Marriage Book 1, Page 15. Robert Erwin married Temperence Meek on January 8, 1795 as recorded in Shelby County, Kentucky . John Meek Jr. and Temperence Meek were both children of John Meek Sr., the one eyed Revolution War pensioner who died in Henry County, Kentucky in 1803. Orpha Erwin married Abraham Lamaster on July 27, 1802 as recorded in Henry County, Kentucky. Samuel McKinley was a bondsman. I must note that Erwins did not move. It was the counties that moved. Shelby County was formed from Jefferson County in 1792, and Henry County was formed from Shelby County in 1799.
Joseph Erwin died in Henry County in 1825. His will is recorded in Will Book 2, Pages 335-336.
" In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Erwin of the county of Henry and State of Kentucky being weak in boddy, but in perfect soundness of mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of Human Life, do make this my last will and testament. Item 1st. I give and bequest to my son, Robert Erwin and his heirs and assigns forever a part of the tract of land I now live on. Bounded viz-Beginning at a Lynn and running South 45 degrees E 51 Poles thence on a straight line to the Frankfurt Road to intersect said road 51 Poles from Robert Erwin's corner thence along said road 51 poles to said Robert Erwin's corner to a red oak, sugar tree and ash, thence to the beginning. Item 2nd. The balance of my land I give and bequeath to my son Kenedy Erwin to his heirs or assigns forever. Item 3rd. It's my will and wish that so much of my household and kitchen furniture and perishable property be disposed of as will pay my just debts and that the balance be equally divided among my seven children, Viz- William Erwin, Peggy Parker, Polly Burcham, Robert Erwin, Nancy Conn, Kenedy Erwin and Catherine Winkfield. And lastly I Ordain, Constitute and appoint Peter Kerlin and Jonathan Jones my Executers of this my last Will and Testament as witness my hand and seal this 1st day of December, 1825. Joseph Erwin, His Mark, Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presence of Armistad L. Hill and Wm Hill, Henry County, November Term 1825. The Last Will and Testament of Joseph Erwin dec. was produced in Court and proved by the oaths of Armistad L. Hill and William Hill subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered be recorded which is done accordingly. ATT Row Thomas.
Joseph Erwin was deceased by January 9, 1826. Kenedy and Polly Erwin sold land inherited from his father to Thomas Lindsey on that date. Joseph was probably buried in the Hill Cemetery which is located on Robert Louden's original 200 acres. Joseph's wife Hannah evidently preceded him in death and is probably buried beside him. A monument for Joseph or Hannah Erwin has not been found in the Hill Cemetery.
Joseph and Hannah's children married the following.
William married around 1800 to Elizabeth who could have been a Cornwell. Their children were Joseph, David, Samuel, Hannah and possibly Elinor. Samuel Erwin appeared on the 1880 census where he indicated his father was born in Virginia, his mother was born in Pennsylvania.
Margaret married Absolem Parker in Henry County on March 13, 1804. Their children were William Crawford Parker, Sarah Parker Mapes, Enoch Fleming Parker, James Parker, Milton Hay or B. Parker, Lucinda Parker Bloss and Lorenzo Dow Parker.
Mary "Polly" married Samuel Burcham Jul 25,1811 in Henry County. Their children were Nancy, Hannah, Margaret, Robert, Joseph and Eliza.
Robert married Susanna Burcham around 1810. No record has been found for their union. Susanna was a daughter of Samuel Burcham and his first wife Mary Harper. Their children were Samuel, Joseph, John F., William G., Nancy Jane, Mary Hannah, Robert James, Thomas Kenedy, Sarah, Jeptha, Martha Ann, Isaiah C., and Susan.
Nancy married James Conn April 9, 1810 in Henry County. Their children were James Erwin Conn, William, Mary, Matilda, Bartholomew, Elizabeth A., Hannah, and John.
Kenedy married Mary Bonnifield January 3, 1816 in Henry County. Their suspected children were James, Joseph B., Rebecca, Mary A., George, Robert and Nancy.
Katherine married Henry Wingfield around 1815. No record has been found for their marriage. Their children were Owen Franklin, Lucinda, Charles Belew, William P., Charlotte, Sarah, James D., Elizabeth, Melinda and Cynthia.
Thomas Kenedy Erwin reported in 1897 that Joseph Erwin served in the Revolution, but I have found no record. Joseph's three sons all served in the War of 1812. His son Kenedy received a pension for frostbite. Joseph had two nephews who served with Andy Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. They were Squire Boone Erwin, son of Robert and Temperence Meek Erwin and Erwin Lamaster, son of James and Mary Erwin Lamaster. Erwin Lamaster died after the battle at Camp Jackson near New Orleans on March 4, 1815 of disease according to his military records.
The documented history of Joseph Erwin begins with his highly suspected parents, William and Margaret Erwin, who are the earliest Erwins that left a paper trail that I have been able to follow. My great grandfather, Thomas Kenedy Erwin (1822-1897), told the Erwin history as he knew it in 1897 to my grandfather, James Erwin, who wrote it down as he heard it in a pocket size notebook that is now stored at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale, Arkansas.
Thomas Kenedy Erwin stated, "Joseph Erwin was born in Virginia about the middle of the eighteenth century of Irish parents."
Based upon Thomas Kenedy Erwin's oral history, I have concluded that William and Margaret Erwin were born in Northern Ireland about 1725. They would have been known as Scots-Irish, that is they were descended from people living in Scotland who later migrated to the area known as Northern Ireland and eventually sailed for the new world. Their religion would have been Protestant in opposition to the Catholic faith of the indigenous Irish people. The native Irish resented the Protestant Scots-Irish and many conflicts erupted among the two groups which are still festering today (2018).
William and Margaret Erwin moved to the new world in search of a better life. Somehow they emerged out of thin air near the mouth of Tomahawk Creek on Back Creek in Berkeley County, Virginia by June 16, 1772. On that date a William Erwin brought a lawsuit against John Grey over a debt as recorded in the Berkeley County, Virginia Minute Book . William and Margaret were evidently settled on their own land by November 18, 1773. The Minute Book for that date reports:" Persons appointed to view the ground for a road from Beeson's Mill to Back Creek made their report. Ordered that same be established and that Joseph McCoy be overseer of same from said mill to the top of the mountain and John Kennedy from thence to Erwins, and tithables for three miles on each side of said road work theron."
A deed from Hugh and Sarah Lyle to William Erwin was recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 4, Pages 199-200 on April 15, 1777. This deed transferred 300 acres of land on both sides of Tomahawk Creek at Back Creek. My research has determined that this land contained the Lower Tomahawk Spring on Tomahawk Creek. William Erwin may have used this spring for distilling spirits because the Minute Book for May 10, 1778 records:" William Erwin and others were indicted by the Grand Jury for selling whiskey without a license."
Sometime in 1776 a petition was presented to members of the Back Creek congregation of the Tuscarora Church. This petition objected to British oppression to religious services and was signed by: David Faris, Jno Doke, Wm Faris, Robt Snodgrass, And'w Yeat, Robt Stewart, Robt Jackson, Jno.Kenedy, Wm Erwin, Joseph Erwin, John Jackson, Jas Winning, Jas Lowrie, Wm Boggs, Wm Boggs Jun'r, Wm. Johnson, Jno Harper, Jno Harper Jun'r, Edw'd Magner, Jno Shields, Jas. Robinson, Alex'r Robinson, Jno Moor, Dan'l Kenedy, Robt Dunn, And'w Dunn, Robt McCall, Robt Kenedy, Thos Sharp, Sam'l Kenedy, Jno Murphy, Thos Hamilton, Valentine Murphy, Jno Murphy Jun'r, Wm Long, Jas Kerr, Thos Lawson, Jas Lawson, Jos Harper, Jno Grey, Wm Grey, Eliegn Grey, Josias Renolds, Jonathan Rose, Wm Knox, Garrett Enix, Wm Knox Jun'r, Jno Magner, Henry Magner, Alex'rd Caldwell, and Wm Reed.
In 1784 the Revolutionary War was over and the urge to move to Kentucky hit the Erwins. William and Margaret had evidently deeded part of their 300 acres to their son Joseph for on August 16, 1784, William, Joseph and Hannah Erwin deeded 147 acres of the 300 acre tract formerly purchased from Hugh Lyle to Frederick Savely for 140 Pounds, English money. One boundary of the land passed through the middle of a spring which I have identified as the Lower Tomahawk Spring. This sale is recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 6, Pages 274-275.
The trip to Kentucky had to wait until William and Margaret sold the balance of their land which they did on December 10, 1785 when they executed a deed to their remaining 153 acres to Samuel Kennedy for 220 Pounds. Witnesses were John and William Farris, Daniel Kennedy and John Champion. This parcel joined the other 147 acre tract and part of the common boundary also passed through the Lower Tomahawk Spring. The sale was recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 6, Pages 536-538. I visited Berkeley County several years ago and sat on rocks beside the Lower Tomahawk Spring which had a strong flow of water. I visited with a man who owned part of the spring and he said his property line passed through the center of the spring which he shared with a neighbor.
The Erwins were on their way to Kentucky by June 20, 1786. A Minute Book entry for that date read: " Ordered that James Winning, Robert Jackson, Samuel Kennedy, and James Lowry or any three of them do view the ground for a road from William Irwin's old plantation to Beeson and Chapman's Mill and make report."
The trip to Kentucky could have been made overland or by raft down the Ohio River. I believe they went overland by horse by way of the Wilderness Road which was just to the east of them. The party probably included Joseph and Hannah Erwin, their children; William, Margaret and Mary. Joseph's possible parents, William and Margaret Erwin and their children; Mary, Margaret, Robert, and possibly Orpha Erwin and James Lamaster. William Erwin Sr. was deceased by 1788 and could have died in Virginia, on the way to Kentucky, or after arriving in Kentucky. The trip to Kentucky was truly a trek. The Wilderness Road was too narrow for wagons in 1786 and Cherokee were a problem around Cumberland Gap and Shawnee were attacking settlers in the area where Erwins settled on two 200 acre tracts on the headwaters of Drennon's Lick Creek about one mile east of the town of Eminence in modern Henry County, Kentucky. Robert Loudon was their neighbor to the east. He had evidently erected a blockhouse for defense which was known an Louden's Station or Fort Louden. Thomas Kenedy Erwin stated in his 1897 oral Erwin history that his uncle William Erwin was born in Fort Lowdon. I have determined that William was born in Virginia about 1778. Thomas Kenedy Erwin's father, Robert, was born in 1788 and could have been born in Fort Louden.
On June 2, 1789, deeds were recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Deed Book 2, Pages 8,9 and 10. John and Mary Warford executed deeds to Robert Irwin, Joseph Irwin and Robert Louden for 200 acres apiece on headwaters of Drennon's Lick Creek for 60 British Pounds each. Land that would have been deeded to William Erwin was sold to his second son, Robert, because William Erwin was apparently deceased.
The children of William and Margaret Erwin are thought to have been: Joseph, born about 1755 ; Mary, born about 1765; Robert, born about 1768; Margaret, born about 1770; and Orpha, born March 11, 1784 in Virginia. Orpha, being born much later than the other children presents problems as to who her parents were. I feel that she was adopted as her name suggests. She named one of her children, Robert Erwin Lamaster and another Temperence Lamaster. Robert Erwin's wife was the former Temperence Meek. Orpha was evidently close to Robert and Temperence Meek Erwin, but they were too young to be her parents.
The present Eminence Baptist Church was originally known as Fox Run Baptist Church located about two miles south Of Eminence, Kentucky. It was founded by John Whitaker and Joshua Morris at the house of James Hogland January 26, 1794 with the following members; Jesse Buzan, Eliza Buzan, James Hogland, Mary Hogland, William Metcalf, Hester Metcalf, James Metcalf, Thomas Metcalf, Mary Teague, Milly Long, Robert Louden, Jane Louden, Joseph Erwin, Margaret Erwin. This information was taken from Page 79 of "History of Henry County, Kentucky" by Maude Johnston Drane, 1948.
Some interesting information about Robert Loudon and Joseph and Robert Erwin comes to light on Page 341 of Henry County, Kentucky Deed Book 2. Robert Louden Sr., Joseph Erwin, and Robert Erwin are witnesses to a land dispute legal case and are taken to a branch of Drennon's Lick Creek to make depositions. Robert Louden Sr. deposed," I have been acquainted with this branch since the year 1784 and that it was then called the Caney Fork and has ever since been called and known in the neighborhood by that name." Joseph and Robert Erwin both saith," In the year 1787, I heard the said branch called the Caney Fork and that it has ever since been called and known by that name." I feel that the above depositions can be interpreted as: Robert Louden Sr. arrived in the area by 1784 and Joseph and Robert Erwin arrived in the area by 1787.
Margaret Evans is listed as head of household with son, Robert Evans, (16-21) on the 1789 tax list for Jefferson County, Kentucky. Joseph Evans is also listed as head of household, over 21 years of age. I feel that the Erwin name has been interpreted as Evans.
Henry County records show that Robert Erwin was issued a bond April 21, 1800 to administer the estate of William Erwin deceased. His securities were Joseph Erwin and John Lawson. The most expensive item appraised at the William Erwin estate was "one still", given a value of over 37 Pounds, British currency. The estate sale records are unavailable. I suspect that Margaret Erwin had just died and this was her estate that was being probated. If so, this is the last record for Margaret. The only clue as to her maiden name is John Lawson. Could he have been a brother or a son in law?
William and Margaret Erwins' suspected children married the following. Joseph married Hannah about the year 1776, probably in Berkeley County, Virginia. Hannah named a son Kenedy which suggests she was the daughter of one of the Berkeley County Kenedys. Mary married James Lemaster on August 18, 1788 as recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Marriage Book 1, Page 7. Mary was listed as daughter of William Erwin, deceased. Samuel McKinley was a bondsman, Will Johnston was a witness. Margaret Erwin married John Meek Jr. on April 4, 1792 as recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Marriage Book 1, Page 15. Robert Erwin married Temperence Meek on January 8, 1795 as recorded in Shelby County, Kentucky . John Meek Jr. and Temperence Meek were both children of John Meek Sr., the one eyed Revolution War pensioner who died in Henry County, Kentucky in 1803. Orpha Erwin married Abraham Lamaster on July 27, 1802 as recorded in Henry County, Kentucky. Samuel McKinley was a bondsman. I must note that Erwins did not move. It was the counties that moved. Shelby County was formed from Jefferson County in 1792, and Henry County was formed from Shelby County in 1799.
Joseph Erwin died in Henry County in 1825. His will is recorded in Will Book 2, Pages 335-336.
" In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Erwin of the county of Henry and State of Kentucky being weak in boddy, but in perfect soundness of mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of Human Life, do make this my last will and testament. Item 1st. I give and bequest to my son, Robert Erwin and his heirs and assigns forever a part of the tract of land I now live on. Bounded viz-Beginning at a Lynn and running South 45 degrees E 51 Poles thence on a straight line to the Frankfurt Road to intersect said road 51 Poles from Robert Erwin's corner thence along said road 51 poles to said Robert Erwin's corner to a red oak, sugar tree and ash, thence to the beginning. Item 2nd. The balance of my land I give and bequeath to my son Kenedy Erwin to his heirs or assigns forever. Item 3rd. It's my will and wish that so much of my household and kitchen furniture and perishable property be disposed of as will pay my just debts and that the balance be equally divided among my seven children, Viz- William Erwin, Peggy Parker, Polly Burcham, Robert Erwin, Nancy Conn, Kenedy Erwin and Catherine Winkfield. And lastly I Ordain, Constitute and appoint Peter Kerlin and Jonathan Jones my Executers of this my last Will and Testament as witness my hand and seal this 1st day of December, 1825. Joseph Erwin, His Mark, Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presence of Armistad L. Hill and Wm Hill, Henry County, November Term 1825. The Last Will and Testament of Joseph Erwin dec. was produced in Court and proved by the oaths of Armistad L. Hill and William Hill subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered be recorded which is done accordingly. ATT Row Thomas.
Joseph Erwin was deceased by January 9, 1826. Kenedy and Polly Erwin sold land inherited from his father to Thomas Lindsey on that date. Joseph was probably buried in the Hill Cemetery which is located on Robert Louden's original 200 acres. Joseph's wife Hannah evidently preceded him in death and is probably buried beside him. A monument for Joseph or Hannah Erwin has not been found in the Hill Cemetery.
Joseph and Hannah's children married the following.
William married around 1800 to Elizabeth who could have been a Cornwell. Their children were Joseph, David, Samuel, Hannah and possibly Elinor. Samuel Erwin appeared on the 1880 census where he indicated his father was born in Virginia, his mother was born in Pennsylvania.
Margaret married Absolem Parker in Henry County on March 13, 1804. Their children were William Crawford Parker, Sarah Parker Mapes, Enoch Fleming Parker, James Parker, Milton Hay or B. Parker, Lucinda Parker Bloss and Lorenzo Dow Parker.
Mary "Polly" married Samuel Burcham Jul 25,1811 in Henry County. Their children were Nancy, Hannah, Margaret, Robert, Joseph and Eliza.
Robert married Susanna Burcham around 1810. No record has been found for their union. Susanna was a daughter of Samuel Burcham and his first wife Mary Harper. Their children were Samuel, Joseph, John F., William G., Nancy Jane, Mary Hannah, Robert James, Thomas Kenedy, Sarah, Jeptha, Martha Ann, Isaiah C., and Susan.
Nancy married James Conn April 9, 1810 in Henry County. Their children were James Erwin Conn, William, Mary, Matilda, Bartholomew, Elizabeth A., Hannah, and John.
Kenedy married Mary Bonnifield January 3, 1816 in Henry County. Their suspected children were James, Joseph B., Rebecca, Mary A., George, Robert and Nancy.
Katherine married Henry Wingfield around 1815. No record has been found for their marriage. Their children were Owen Franklin, Lucinda, Charles Belew, William P., Charlotte, Sarah, James D., Elizabeth, Melinda and Cynthia.
Thomas Kenedy Erwin reported in 1897 that Joseph Erwin served in the Revolution, but I have found no record. Joseph's three sons all served in the War of 1812. His son Kenedy received a pension for frostbite. Joseph had two nephews who served with Andy Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. They were Squire Boone Erwin, son of Robert and Temperence Meek Erwin and Erwin Lamaster, son of James and Mary Erwin Lamaster. Erwin Lamaster died after the battle at Camp Jackson near New Orleans on March 4, 1815 of disease according to his military records.
Thomas Kenedy Erwin stated, "Joseph Erwin was born in Virginia about the middle of the eighteenth century of Irish parents."
Based upon Thomas Kenedy Erwin's oral history, I have concluded that William and Margaret Erwin were born in Northern Ireland about 1725. They would have been known as Scots-Irish, that is they were descended from people living in Scotland who later migrated to the area known as Northern Ireland and eventually sailed for the new world. Their religion would have been Protestant in opposition to the Catholic faith of the indigenous Irish people. The native Irish resented the Protestant Scots-Irish and many conflicts erupted among the two groups which are still festering today (2018).
William and Margaret Erwin moved to the new world in search of a better life. Somehow they emerged out of thin air near the mouth of Tomahawk Creek on Back Creek in Berkeley County, Virginia by June 16, 1772. On that date a William Erwin brought a lawsuit against John Grey over a debt as recorded in the Berkeley County, Virginia Minute Book . William and Margaret were evidently settled on their own land by November 18, 1773. The Minute Book for that date reports:" Persons appointed to view the ground for a road from Beeson's Mill to Back Creek made their report. Ordered that same be established and that Joseph McCoy be overseer of same from said mill to the top of the mountain and John Kennedy from thence to Erwins, and tithables for three miles on each side of said road work theron."
A deed from Hugh and Sarah Lyle to William Erwin was recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 4, Pages 199-200 on April 15, 1777. This deed transferred 300 acres of land on both sides of Tomahawk Creek at Back Creek. My research has determined that this land contained the Lower Tomahawk Spring on Tomahawk Creek. William Erwin may have used this spring for distilling spirits because the Minute Book for May 10, 1778 records:" William Erwin and others were indicted by the Grand Jury for selling whiskey without a license."
Sometime in 1776 a petition was presented to members of the Back Creek congregation of the Tuscarora Church. This petition objected to British oppression to religious services and was signed by: David Faris, Jno Doke, Wm Faris, Robt Snodgrass, And'w Yeat, Robt Stewart, Robt Jackson, Jno.Kenedy, Wm Erwin, Joseph Erwin, John Jackson, Jas Winning, Jas Lowrie, Wm Boggs, Wm Boggs Jun'r, Wm. Johnson, Jno Harper, Jno Harper Jun'r, Edw'd Magner, Jno Shields, Jas. Robinson, Alex'r Robinson, Jno Moor, Dan'l Kenedy, Robt Dunn, And'w Dunn, Robt McCall, Robt Kenedy, Thos Sharp, Sam'l Kenedy, Jno Murphy, Thos Hamilton, Valentine Murphy, Jno Murphy Jun'r, Wm Long, Jas Kerr, Thos Lawson, Jas Lawson, Jos Harper, Jno Grey, Wm Grey, Eliegn Grey, Josias Renolds, Jonathan Rose, Wm Knox, Garrett Enix, Wm Knox Jun'r, Jno Magner, Henry Magner, Alex'rd Caldwell, and Wm Reed.
In 1784 the Revolutionary War was over and the urge to move to Kentucky hit the Erwins. William and Margaret had evidently deeded part of their 300 acres to their son Joseph for on August 16, 1784, William, Joseph and Hannah Erwin deeded 147 acres of the 300 acre tract formerly purchased from Hugh Lyle to Frederick Savely for 140 Pounds, English money. One boundary of the land passed through the middle of a spring which I have identified as the Lower Tomahawk Spring. This sale is recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 6, Pages 274-275.
The trip to Kentucky had to wait until William and Margaret sold the balance of their land which they did on December 10, 1785 when they executed a deed to their remaining 153 acres to Samuel Kennedy for 220 Pounds. Witnesses were John and William Farris, Daniel Kennedy and John Champion. This parcel joined the other 147 acre tract and part of the common boundary also passed through the Lower Tomahawk Spring. The sale was recorded in Berkeley County Deed Book 6, Pages 536-538. I visited Berkeley County several years ago and sat on rocks beside the Lower Tomahawk Spring which had a strong flow of water. I visited with a man who owned part of the spring and he said his property line passed through the center of the spring which he shared with a neighbor.
The Erwins were on their way to Kentucky by June 20, 1786. A Minute Book entry for that date read: " Ordered that James Winning, Robert Jackson, Samuel Kennedy, and James Lowry or any three of them do view the ground for a road from William Irwin's old plantation to Beeson and Chapman's Mill and make report."
The trip to Kentucky could have been made overland or by raft down the Ohio River. I believe they went overland by horse by way of the Wilderness Road which was just to the east of them. The party probably included Joseph and Hannah Erwin, their children; William, Margaret and Mary. Joseph's possible parents, William and Margaret Erwin and their children; Mary, Margaret, Robert, and possibly Orpha Erwin and James Lamaster. William Erwin Sr. was deceased by 1788 and could have died in Virginia, on the way to Kentucky, or after arriving in Kentucky. The trip to Kentucky was truly a trek. The Wilderness Road was too narrow for wagons in 1786 and Cherokee were a problem around Cumberland Gap and Shawnee were attacking settlers in the area where Erwins settled on two 200 acre tracts on the headwaters of Drennon's Lick Creek about one mile east of the town of Eminence in modern Henry County, Kentucky. Robert Loudon was their neighbor to the east. He had evidently erected a blockhouse for defense which was known an Louden's Station or Fort Louden. Thomas Kenedy Erwin stated in his 1897 oral Erwin history that his uncle William Erwin was born in Fort Lowdon. I have determined that William was born in Virginia about 1778. Thomas Kenedy Erwin's father, Robert, was born in 1788 and could have been born in Fort Louden.
On June 2, 1789, deeds were recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Deed Book 2, Pages 8,9 and 10. John and Mary Warford executed deeds to Robert Irwin, Joseph Irwin and Robert Louden for 200 acres apiece on headwaters of Drennon's Lick Creek for 60 British Pounds each. Land that would have been deeded to William Erwin was sold to his second son, Robert, because William Erwin was apparently deceased.
The children of William and Margaret Erwin are thought to have been: Joseph, born about 1755 ; Mary, born about 1765; Robert, born about 1768; Margaret, born about 1770; and Orpha, born March 11, 1784 in Virginia. Orpha, being born much later than the other children presents problems as to who her parents were. I feel that she was adopted as her name suggests. She named one of her children, Robert Erwin Lamaster and another Temperence Lamaster. Robert Erwin's wife was the former Temperence Meek. Orpha was evidently close to Robert and Temperence Meek Erwin, but they were too young to be her parents.
The present Eminence Baptist Church was originally known as Fox Run Baptist Church located about two miles south Of Eminence, Kentucky. It was founded by John Whitaker and Joshua Morris at the house of James Hogland January 26, 1794 with the following members; Jesse Buzan, Eliza Buzan, James Hogland, Mary Hogland, William Metcalf, Hester Metcalf, James Metcalf, Thomas Metcalf, Mary Teague, Milly Long, Robert Louden, Jane Louden, Joseph Erwin, Margaret Erwin. This information was taken from Page 79 of "History of Henry County, Kentucky" by Maude Johnston Drane, 1948.
Some interesting information about Robert Loudon and Joseph and Robert Erwin comes to light on Page 341 of Henry County, Kentucky Deed Book 2. Robert Louden Sr., Joseph Erwin, and Robert Erwin are witnesses to a land dispute legal case and are taken to a branch of Drennon's Lick Creek to make depositions. Robert Louden Sr. deposed," I have been acquainted with this branch since the year 1784 and that it was then called the Caney Fork and has ever since been called and known in the neighborhood by that name." Joseph and Robert Erwin both saith," In the year 1787, I heard the said branch called the Caney Fork and that it has ever since been called and known by that name." I feel that the above depositions can be interpreted as: Robert Louden Sr. arrived in the area by 1784 and Joseph and Robert Erwin arrived in the area by 1787.
Margaret Evans is listed as head of household with son, Robert Evans, (16-21) on the 1789 tax list for Jefferson County, Kentucky. Joseph Evans is also listed as head of household, over 21 years of age. I feel that the Erwin name has been interpreted as Evans.
Henry County records show that Robert Erwin was issued a bond April 21, 1800 to administer the estate of William Erwin deceased. His securities were Joseph Erwin and John Lawson. The most expensive item appraised at the William Erwin estate was "one still", given a value of over 37 Pounds, British currency. The estate sale records are unavailable. I suspect that Margaret Erwin had just died and this was her estate that was being probated. If so, this is the last record for Margaret. The only clue as to her maiden name is John Lawson. Could he have been a brother or a son in law?
William and Margaret Erwins' suspected children married the following. Joseph married Hannah about the year 1776, probably in Berkeley County, Virginia. Hannah named a son Kenedy which suggests she was the daughter of one of the Berkeley County Kenedys. Mary married James Lemaster on August 18, 1788 as recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Marriage Book 1, Page 7. Mary was listed as daughter of William Erwin, deceased. Samuel McKinley was a bondsman, Will Johnston was a witness. Margaret Erwin married John Meek Jr. on April 4, 1792 as recorded in Jefferson County, Kentucky Marriage Book 1, Page 15. Robert Erwin married Temperence Meek on January 8, 1795 as recorded in Shelby County, Kentucky . John Meek Jr. and Temperence Meek were both children of John Meek Sr., the one eyed Revolution War pensioner who died in Henry County, Kentucky in 1803. Orpha Erwin married Abraham Lamaster on July 27, 1802 as recorded in Henry County, Kentucky. Samuel McKinley was a bondsman. I must note that Erwins did not move. It was the counties that moved. Shelby County was formed from Jefferson County in 1792, and Henry County was formed from Shelby County in 1799.
Joseph Erwin died in Henry County in 1825. His will is recorded in Will Book 2, Pages 335-336.
" In the name of God Amen. I Joseph Erwin of the county of Henry and State of Kentucky being weak in boddy, but in perfect soundness of mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of Human Life, do make this my last will and testament. Item 1st. I give and bequest to my son, Robert Erwin and his heirs and assigns forever a part of the tract of land I now live on. Bounded viz-Beginning at a Lynn and running South 45 degrees E 51 Poles thence on a straight line to the Frankfurt Road to intersect said road 51 Poles from Robert Erwin's corner thence along said road 51 poles to said Robert Erwin's corner to a red oak, sugar tree and ash, thence to the beginning. Item 2nd. The balance of my land I give and bequeath to my son Kenedy Erwin to his heirs or assigns forever. Item 3rd. It's my will and wish that so much of my household and kitchen furniture and perishable property be disposed of as will pay my just debts and that the balance be equally divided among my seven children, Viz- William Erwin, Peggy Parker, Polly Burcham, Robert Erwin, Nancy Conn, Kenedy Erwin and Catherine Winkfield. And lastly I Ordain, Constitute and appoint Peter Kerlin and Jonathan Jones my Executers of this my last Will and Testament as witness my hand and seal this 1st day of December, 1825. Joseph Erwin, His Mark, Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presence of Armistad L. Hill and Wm Hill, Henry County, November Term 1825. The Last Will and Testament of Joseph Erwin dec. was produced in Court and proved by the oaths of Armistad L. Hill and William Hill subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered be recorded which is done accordingly. ATT Row Thomas.
Joseph Erwin was deceased by January 9, 1826. Kenedy and Polly Erwin sold land inherited from his father to Thomas Lindsey on that date. Joseph was probably buried in the Hill Cemetery which is located on Robert Louden's original 200 acres. Joseph's wife Hannah evidently preceded him in death and is probably buried beside him. A monument for Joseph or Hannah Erwin has not been found in the Hill Cemetery.
Joseph and Hannah's children married the following.
William married around 1800 to Elizabeth who could have been a Cornwell. Their children were Joseph, David, Samuel, Hannah and possibly Elinor. Samuel Erwin appeared on the 1880 census where he indicated his father was born in Virginia, his mother was born in Pennsylvania.
Margaret married Absolem Parker in Henry County on March 13, 1804. Their children were William Crawford Parker, Sarah Parker Mapes, Enoch Fleming Parker, James Parker, Milton Hay or B. Parker, Lucinda Parker Bloss and Lorenzo Dow Parker.
Mary "Polly" married Samuel Burcham Jul 25,1811 in Henry County. Their children were Nancy, Hannah, Margaret, Robert, Joseph and Eliza.
Robert married Susanna Burcham around 1810. No record has been found for their union. Susanna was a daughter of Samuel Burcham and his first wife Mary Harper. Their children were Samuel, Joseph, John F., William G., Nancy Jane, Mary Hannah, Robert James, Thomas Kenedy, Sarah, Jeptha, Martha Ann, Isaiah C., and Susan.
Nancy married James Conn April 9, 1810 in Henry County. Their children were James Erwin Conn, William, Mary, Matilda, Bartholomew, Elizabeth A., Hannah, and John.
Kenedy married Mary Bonnifield January 3, 1816 in Henry County. Their suspected children were James, Joseph B., Rebecca, Mary A., George, Robert and Nancy.
Katherine married Henry Wingfield around 1815. No record has been found for their marriage. Their children were Owen Franklin, Lucinda, Charles Belew, William P., Charlotte, Sarah, James D., Elizabeth, Melinda and Cynthia.
Thomas Kenedy Erwin reported in 1897 that Joseph Erwin served in the Revolution, but I have found no record. Joseph's three sons all served in the War of 1812. His son Kenedy received a pension for frostbite. Joseph had two nephews who served with Andy Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. They were Squire Boone Erwin, son of Robert and Temperence Meek Erwin and Erwin Lamaster, son of James and Mary Erwin Lamaster. Erwin Lamaster died after the battle at Camp Jackson near New Orleans on March 4, 1815 of disease according to his military records.
Family Members
Advertisement
Advertisement
